AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Barun Law Firm Hosts Seminar on Survival Strategies for Listed Companies Amid Regulatory Changes
    Barun Law Firm Hosts Seminar on Survival Strategies for Listed Companies Amid Regulatory Changes Barun Law LLC (led by attorneys Lee Dong-hoon, Lee Young-hee, and Kim Do-hyung) announced on July 16 that it held a seminar on July 15 at its auditorium on the 15th floor of the Barun Building in Gangnam, Seoul. The seminar focused on 'Survival Strategies for Listed Companies Amid Regulatory Changes – Legal Risks and Practical Responses Following the Delisting System Reform.'The event attracted numerous employees and practical staff from listed companies, reflecting a strong interest in the enhanced delisting regulations.The seminar aimed to analyze the legal risks that listed companies may face and to propose strategies for maintaining listings and enhancing corporate value based on practical case studies. The revised listing regulations have been in effect since July 1.Since February, the exchange has designated a concentrated management period from now until June 2027 and has activated a 'Delisting Concentrated Management Team' led by the exchange's vice president. The KOSDAQ review process has been strengthened with four teams comprising 20 members, and the maximum improvement period for substantial reviews has been reduced by one year. The Barun Delisting Response Team analyzed that as the speed and density of reviews have increased, planning based on past processing speeds could lead to significant risks.Attorney Choi Seung-hwan (39th Judicial Research and Training Institute) presented on 'Legal Response Strategies for Listed Companies Following the Implementation of the Delisting System for Stocks Below 1,000 Won,' dissecting the practical application of the delisting criteria that took effect on July 1.Choi emphasized the need to clearly distinguish between the price and trading days that determine the closing price, as well as the criteria for designating and lifting management items. He particularly noted the limitations of responses through stock consolidation and capital reduction. The revised regulations define repeated consolidations and consolidations exceeding a 10-to-1 ratio as separate grounds for delisting, indicating that attempts to formally evade these rules could actually lead to delisting.He advised that even after stock consolidation, the reasons for delisting related to stock price, market capitalization, and distribution structure remain, urging legal teams to manage articles of incorporation, par value, and total issued shares, while disclosure and stock affairs teams should monitor closing prices and continuous shortfall days. The planning and finance teams should manage theoretical prices based on consolidation ratios and post-consolidation market capitalization, establishing a collaborative response system across departments. He stressed that stock consolidation should not be viewed as an isolated price adjustment task but as a comprehensive decision-making process that addresses listing maintenance, finance, audit, and disclosure risks.Attorney Lee Hyung-jin discussed 'Enterprise-wide Risk Management to Prevent Delisting,' categorizing the risks associated with delisting into legal and management risks. He explained that legal risks could include damage claims from minority shareholders, securities-related class actions, investigations by financial authorities due to false disclosures, and potential criminal penalties and administrative sanctions against executives, including fines and recommendations for dismissal.The management implications are even broader. Lee noted that capital market funding through rights offerings and corporate bonds could be effectively blocked, leading to credit rating downgrades, increased interest rates, and refusals to extend maturities. He warned that there could be reluctance to maintain or extend contracts with business partners, disadvantages in international partnerships and bidding qualifications, and even the loss of talented employees. He emphasized that preventing delisting should be treated as an enterprise-wide risk management task.Advisor Yoon Gi-jun (former head of the KOSDAQ market listing department at the Korea Exchange) highlighted in his presentation on 'Changes and Significance of the Delisting System' that the key takeaway for listed companies from this reform is the emphasis on 'early warning' rather than 'strengthened standards.' Yoon pointed out that the requirement for stock price and market capitalization to recover for 45 consecutive trading days makes short-term reactive measures difficult, and the periods for recovery and improvement are not lengthy.He proposed establishing a 'CFO Dashboard' that encompasses market (daily stock price, market capitalization, trading days), finance (monthly self-capital and potential complete capital erosion), cash flow, funding plans, and pre-consultation on audit issues. He suggested using a weekly management situation board to check stock price and disclosure issues, reporting capital, cash, and audit issues in monthly risk meetings, and bringing matters to the board for approval of capital transactions and disclosure actions when approaching critical thresholds.Yoon stated, 'What is needed now is not post-explanation and damage control, but early warning and proactive response for each company,' adding, 'Listing maintenance risks should be managed as ongoing management indicators, not just year-end tasks.'Attorney Lee Dong-hoon remarked, 'The recent reform aimed at the swift exit of failing companies has significantly increased the legal risks faced by listed companies.' He added, 'The Barun Delisting Response Team will support the establishment of an integrated response system encompassing finance, disclosure, investor relations, and compliance to help companies achieve the dual goals of maintaining their listings and enhancing corporate value.'The Barun Delisting Response Team is a specialized organization composed of experts with practical experience in financial regulatory agencies such as the Financial Services Commission, the Financial Supervisory Service, and the Korea Exchange, providing comprehensive advice on legal risks and practical responses related to the enhanced delisting system, including the delisting of stocks below 1,000 won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:48:00
  • IBK Securities Projects Record Annual Performance for Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Raises Target Price by 66.7%
    IBK Securities Projects Record Annual Performance for Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Raises Target Price by 66.7% IBK Investment & Securities announced on July 16 that it expects Samsung Electro-Mechanics to achieve record annual performance in 2026, driven by growth in flip-chip ball grid array (FC-BGA) substrates for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors and multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC). The firm raised its target price for Samsung Electro-Mechanics from 1,050,000 won to 1,750,000 won, an increase of 66.7%, while maintaining a 'buy' rating.Kim Un-ho, a researcher at IBK Investment & Securities, analyzed that the recent buying trend from foreign investors reflects Samsung Electro-Mechanics' growth potential. He stated, "Even as AI-related companies reduce their shareholdings, Samsung Electro-Mechanics continues to see sustained buying interest, indicating a strong outlook for FC-BGA and MLCC growth."IBK Investment & Securities anticipates that large-scale facility investments to meet the growing demand for AI semiconductors will begin in earnest. It also expects that the ongoing supply shortage of high-performance MLCC products will lead to improved performance. Consequently, the firm projects operating profit to rise to 1.8 trillion won in 2026 and 2.9 trillion won in 2027.This year, operating profit is expected to increase by 93% compared to 2025, reaching an all-time high. The package division is anticipated to lead this growth. Estimated operating profits by segment include 463.2 billion won for the package division, more than triple the amount from 2025, 1.1423 trillion won for the components division, an increase of 84.6%, and 158.5 billion won for the optical division, a 5.6% rise.In particular, the expansion of server applications is expected to drive growth in MLCC, while the package division will benefit from increased orders for server and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The package division's operating profit is projected to reach 1.7 trillion won by 2028. Kim noted, "The improvement in operating profit is expected to continue from 2023, which is seen as a low point, reaching 4.8 trillion won by 2028."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:48:00
  • GS Caltex Completes Major Maintenance at Yeosu Plant with AI Integration
    GS Caltex Completes Major Maintenance at Yeosu Plant with AI Integration GS Caltex announced on July 16 that it has completed its major maintenance work (TA) at the Yeosu plant for the first half of 2026.TA involves halting operations at refining and petrochemical plants to inspect key production facilities and replace aging parts and consumables as part of regular maintenance.From May, GS Caltex conducted major maintenance on nine processes over approximately 60 days, investing around 200 billion won and involving an average of 3,000 workers daily.This maintenance utilized digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for work planning, site operations, and safety management.To manage the location and inspection status of electric valves (MOV) installed throughout the plant, GS Caltex developed the 'MOVision' application based on Google Earth and 3D modeling. The app displays valve locations and details, with completed inspections indicated by a color change.For heater tubes, which are difficult to clean internally, the company deployed cleaning robots. These robots removed foreign substances from areas previously inaccessible to existing equipment, and the company plans to monitor changes in thermal efficiency and fuel consumption in the future.AI-equipped closed-circuit television (CCTV) was also implemented at the work site. This system detects various hazards in real-time, such as whether protective gear and safety harnesses are worn and the proximity of heavy machinery, managing high-risk work areas.In addition to the major maintenance period, GS Caltex operates a company-wide safety, health, and environment council known as SLC. Safety culture programs and leadership practice guidelines are applied at the Yeosu plant, logistics center, technology research institute, and domestic and international subsidiaries.Heo Se-hong, Vice Chairman of GS Caltex, stated, "We applied on-site experience along with digital and AI technologies in this major maintenance. We will continue to expand the practical use of related technologies in the field."Meanwhile, Heo Tae-soo, Chairman of GS Group, is promoting DAX (Digital and AI Transformation) as a future breakthrough and is expanding investments in the physical AI and robotics sector at the group level.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:44:00
  • Hanwha Solutions Sells U.S. Venture Fund for 125.5 Billion Won
    Hanwha Solutions Sells U.S. Venture Fund for 125.5 Billion Won Hanwha Solutions has secured approximately 125.5 billion won by selling a U.S. venture investment fund. This move aims to supplement funds needed for debt repayment following a reduction in the scale of a capital increase.On July 16, Hanwha Solutions announced the sale of the venture fund, which invests in innovative U.S. companies, for $84.3 million, equivalent to about 125.5 billion won.The proceeds from the sale will be used to replenish funds reduced by the smaller capital increase and to improve the company's financial structure. Previously, Hanwha Solutions raised 300 billion won by issuing redeemable convertible preferred shares (RCPS).Since 2022, Hanwha Solutions has invested in this fund through its subsidiaries to monitor technological trends in energy transition, circular economy, and carbon utilization in the U.S., while seeking collaboration opportunities with related companies.Initially, the company excluded the fund from the sale due to its long-term investment nature. However, the need for additional funding arose with the reduction in the capital increase, prompting the decision to sell. The company stated that the impact of the fund's disposal on medium- to long-term business profitability would be limited.Hanwha Solutions also plans to pursue the liquidation of investment assets worth 300 billion won, as indicated during the capital increase correction process.Credit rating agencies have maintained Hanwha Solutions' credit rating and outlook at their current levels. Korea Ratings assigned an 'AA-(Negative)' rating, while NICE Investors Service also rated it 'AA-(Negative)'.The agencies reflected the potential for recovery in the renewable energy sector alongside the financial structure improvement measures, including the capital increase and asset sales.Korea Ratings highlighted factors contributing to performance recovery, such as improvements in production systems due to the operation of the solar plant in Cartersville, Georgia, and the market position of the residential energy business, as well as the expansion of long-term contracts in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC).Lee Jae-bin, Chief Financial Officer of Hanwha Solutions, stated, "Once the capital increase is completed, we plan to proceed with our investment and financial structure improvement plans. We will leverage the vertical integration of our U.S. solar business to enhance performance in the renewable energy sector."Meanwhile, last month, Hanwha Solutions issued 300 billion won in redeemable convertible preferred shares (RCPS) through its U.S. EPC subsidiary to secure funds for the capital increase.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:44:00
  • KB Financial Group Establishes 100 Billion Won AX Digital Asset Fund
    KB Financial Group Establishes 100 Billion Won AX Digital Asset Fund KB Financial Group has created a dedicated fund to secure a leading position in future digital finance.On July 16, KB Financial announced the establishment of the 'KB AX Digital Asset Fund,' a strategic investment fund worth 100 billion won, aimed at advancing its digital asset business and accelerating AI transformation (AX).Participating as limited partners (LPs) are KB Kookmin Bank, KB Securities, KB Insurance, KB Kookmin Card, and KB Life Insurance, while KB Investment will manage the fund as the general partner (GP).The fund plans to proactively invest in key companies in the early stages of the domestic digital asset market, fostering a KB-centered digital asset ecosystem. It will also invest in promising technology firms in AI models, application services, data inference, and analysis.This fund focuses on identifying companies that can be linked to the group's digital strategy, going beyond mere financial investment to connect them with real business opportunities. The goal is to establish a virtuous cycle of 'investment-business linkage-cooperative growth,' enhancing KB Financial's future digital competitiveness while promoting the sustainable growth of the invested companies.A KB Financial representative stated, "This strategic investment aims to proactively discover companies aligned with the group's future strategies in digital assets and AI, connecting them to new growth opportunities, and we will work together to build a digital financial ecosystem with our investment partners."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:40:00
  • VC Firms Compete for 100 Billion Won Policy Fund
    VC Firms Compete for 100 Billion Won Policy Fund ◆Aju Economic Major News▷Six firms shortlisted for management of 1.05 trillion won VC fund- The Korea Development Bank's Southeast Investment Finance Center is nearing the selection of general partners (GP) for the '2026 Southern Region Growth Support Fund,' with six firms including Daedeok Venture Partners, Reinvestment, MW&Company, Wonik Investment Partners, E&Investment, and Coolidge Corner Investment making the shortlist.- The bank plans to select three of these firms to establish a total of 1.05 trillion won in VC funds, aimed at investing in small and venture businesses in the southern region and revitalizing the local venture ecosystem.- The evaluation will focus on the ability to enhance the value of invested companies and support their growth, rather than just past return rates.- The candidate firms are competing by highlighting their strengths, such as regional networks, connections with large corporations, and support for early-stage startups through TIPS.- E&Investment is considered a strong candidate due to its high matching fund acquisition rate and excellent recovery performance, which could enable early fund establishment and swift investment execution if selected.◆Major Reports▷Increased Securities Issuance by Credit Heavyweights - The government plans to finalize a restructuring plan for power generation public enterprises, including the integration of five thermal power subsidiaries under Korea Electric Power Corporation, by the end of the year, aiming for a transition to renewable energy and a stable power supply system.- Even with the integration of the five subsidiaries, it is expected that their existing corporate bond status will be maintained, limiting the impact on the bond market.- The government is also considering a dual structure plan to separate the land and housing development functions from the debt and rental housing asset management functions of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), with specific reform proposals expected after the new president's inauguration.- Recently, SK Hynix has begun purchasing high-quality credit bonds, including corporate bonds, bank bonds, and company bonds, raising expectations for improved supply and demand in the credit bond market.- The market believes that SK Hynix's purchases of high-quality credit bonds will help alleviate the worsened supply and demand in the credit bond market due to capital movement and redemptions in the stock market.◆Major Announcements After Market Close (15th)▷Kangstem Biotech introduces '3D Skin Assembloid' technology from Seoul National University▷Speco changes its largest shareholder to Nexa Korea, acquiring a 33.55% stake▷LS Electric provides employee stock compensation, distributing 6.1 billion won in treasury shares▷SI Resources suspends the effectiveness of temporary general meeting resolutions, halting the duties of the representative and outside directors▷NP appoints Jo Jae-deok as the new CEO following the merger with WYS Studio◆Fund Trends (as of 14th, excluding ETFs)▷Domestic equity: +13.5 billion won▷Overseas equity: +1 billion won◆Key Schedule for Today (16th)▷UK: Import and Export Trends (May), Industrial Production (May)▷Eurozone: Import and Export Trends (May)▷US: Retail Sales (June), Philadelphia Fed Index (July), Housing Market Index (July)* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:40:00
  • SK Intellixs NAMUHX Wins Two Red Dot Design Awards
    SK Intellix's NAMUHX Wins Two Red Dot Design Awards SK Intellix's AI wellness robot NAMUHX has won a prestigious award in the brand and communication design category at the 2026 Red Dot Design Awards, one of the world's top three design competitions.On July 16, SK Intellix announced that NAMUHX received this award following its earlier recognition in April for product design, highlighting the company's design competitiveness.The Red Dot Design Awards are considered alongside Germany's iF Design Awards and the American IDEA Awards as the leading design accolades globally. They evaluate product design, brand, and design concepts based on innovation, functionality, and aesthetics.This latest award acknowledges SK Intellix's design strength not only in product design but also across brand identity, packaging, advertising, and digital content.NAMUHX is a robot that offers personalized wellness experiences based on AI and robotics technology, receiving high marks for integrating product usability with brand experience.Industry experts note that as AI capabilities become central to product competitiveness, there is a growing trend to differentiate not only hardware performance but also user experience and brand design.With this award, SK Intellix plans to strengthen its wellness platform business based on AI and robotics and accelerate its efforts to penetrate global markets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:40:00
  • LS Electric Expands Performance-Based Compensation to Accelerate Vision 2030 Goals
    LS Electric Expands Performance-Based Compensation to Accelerate 'Vision 2030' Goals LS Electric is accelerating its global business growth and talent acquisition by expanding its performance-based compensation system.On July 16, LS Electric announced the implementation of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and stock grants for all employees.RSUs are a form of compensation where employees receive company shares upon meeting certain conditions, such as tenure and performance, linking personal rewards to the company's value increase.This year, the company has broadened the eligibility for RSUs and extended the program to local employees abroad. This move aims to enhance long-term retention and motivation among top talent as the company expands its global operations, particularly in North America.LS Electric introduced the RSU system for general employees in 2022, becoming the first in the LS Group to do so, and has since continued to expand its application. This initiative aligns with the long-term performance reward systems employed by major global tech companies to secure key talent.In addition to its compensation system, the company is also focusing on establishing a horizontal organizational culture. It is implementing a unified title system of 'Manager,' conducting town hall meetings, and promoting intergenerational mentoring to strengthen a performance- and capability-oriented culture.Furthermore, LS Electric is expanding its open recruitment for new hires and internship programs linked to employment, and it has established a re-employment committee for retirees, enhancing its talent acquisition policies.As competition for securing key talent intensifies in the power equipment industry due to the recent growth of AI data centers and power infrastructure markets, more companies are adopting or expanding long-term stock compensation.Under its 'Vision 2030' strategy, LS Electric aims to achieve 70% of its revenue from overseas by 2030 and to become one of the top four power companies in the United States. The company plans to enhance employees' sense of ownership through a performance-sharing compensation system, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. 2026-07-16 08:36:00
  • Shinhan Securities Raises Target Price for Korea Electric Power as Energy Prices Stabilize
    Shinhan Securities Raises Target Price for Korea Electric Power as Energy Prices Stabilize Shinhan Investment Corp. announced on July 15 that it has raised its target price for Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) from 43,000 won to 45,000 won, citing a stabilization in key energy prices. The firm also upgraded its investment recommendation to 'buy.'Han Seung-hoon, a researcher at Shinhan Investment, stated, "The stabilization of major energy prices has occurred faster than expected, prompting us to revise our earnings forecasts upward. With oil prices having peaked and the momentum for nuclear power generation expected to gain traction in the second half of the year, we see positive developments ahead."He noted that the momentum from nuclear power-related policies in the second half of the year is also expected to be a key investment point. Han explained, "The advancement of overseas nuclear projects in countries like Vietnam and the United States, along with the operation of the Shin-Ulchin Unit 3 in the fourth quarter, will alleviate the burden of power generation costs. There is also a possibility that the upcoming 12th Basic Plan for Power Supply and Demand, expected to be announced by the end of the year, will include new large-scale nuclear power plants and small modular reactors (SMRs)."Shinhan Investment forecasts KEPCO's consolidated operating profit for the second quarter to be 1.9 trillion won, an 8.8% decrease compared to the same period last year, which aligns with market expectations.The full impact of rising costs is anticipated to be felt starting in the third quarter. Han remarked, "In the second quarter, both liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices and the system marginal price (SMP) fell compared to the previous year, meaning the effects of rising energy prices have not yet been fully reflected. However, the decline in nuclear power utilization has been offset by an increase in the utilization of coal-fired power generation."He added, "Considering the government's focus on alleviating the burden of living costs, the likelihood of an increase in electricity rates is limited, although the specifics of a differentiated electricity pricing system by region are expected to be clarified in the second half of the year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:32:00
  • Trump Thanks Iran for Releasing Detained American
    Trump Thanks Iran for Releasing Detained American President Donald Trump expressed unusual gratitude to Iran after the release of an American citizen detained in the country.On July 15, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, stating, "Iran has allowed one American citizen, who was wrongfully detained during the presidency of 'Sleepy Joe Biden' in December 2024, to leave the country." He added, "She has now safely departed Iran and is in good health. The United States greatly appreciates this goodwill gesture from Iran!"According to CNN, the individual who left Iran is identified as Dena Karari. International human rights attorney Jared Genser announced on social media platform X, "I am pleased to share that my client Dena Karari, who has been imprisoned in Iran on false charges since December 2024, has finally been released. She is now safely returning to the United States."CNN reported, citing a U.S. official, that as of last month, at least six Americans were known to be detained in Iran, with two of them believed to be wrongfully held.Meanwhile, as Trump continues to pressure Iran through military and economic means while calling for negotiations, his expression of gratitude raises the possibility of both sides returning to the negotiating table. Earlier, in an interview with Fox News, Trump warned that if a peace agreement with Iran is not reached by next week, he would consider bombing Iranian power plants and bridges. He also cautioned reporters, saying, "It would be wise for Iran to act properly."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:32:00